News Release

Lake Mead National Recreation Area reminds visitors to use only approved personal flotation devices when visiting

News Release Date: April 29, 2022 BOULDER CITY, Nev. – The National Park Service (NPS) is committed to providing safe and responsible access to water-based recreation so that every visitor has an optimal park experience. In the interest of visitor safety, Lake Mead National Recreation Area prohibits the use of inflatable and non-inflatable devices, commonly referred to as “pool toys,” while on the water at Lake Mead.

The use of pool toys has led to numerous drownings and “near-misses” on both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. There have been 15 drowning fatalities since 2017 directly attributed to individuals attempting to use pool toys as flotation devices or swimming after pool toys that were blown into deep, choppy water.

Prohibited devices include inflatable armbands (commonly known as water wings), beach balls, and pool noodles. Inflatable pool toys are not United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved flotation devices, can give visitors a false sense of security and often have explicit warnings that they are not intended for use in lakes or large open bodies of water.

Water-based recreation items used for attaching to or towing behind a vessel are not included in this prohibition. Inflatable kayaks, paddle boards, kite boards and float tubes which fall under the USCG definition of a vessel are also not included in this prohibition. While recreating on these vessels and on water-based recreation items attached to or towed behind a vessel, minors are required to wear a USCG approved personal flotation device such as a life jacket and all visitors are strongly encouraged to do so.

Lake Mead began an awareness campaign in 2021 on the dangers of pool toys in open water. Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, those caught using prohibited pool toys may be issued a citation by park rangers which could result in fines or other penalties.

Weather conditions on the water can change unexpectedly at Lake Mead, so it’s in the best interest of both park visitors and staff to only ever use Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices when on the lake. For more information on swimming at Lake Mead National Recreation Area please visit: Swimming - Lake Mead National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/swimming.htm). 

 
- NPS -

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is America’s first and largest national recreation area just minutes from Las Vegas. Come see first-hand magnificent Joshua trees, slot canyons, fire red rock formations and night skies illuminated by the Milky Way. Follow us at www.nps.gov/lake or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.